Checked out in red, white, and blue

Checked out in red, white, and blue

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Dress: Me Made

Belt: Vintage

Basket: Thrifted (Vintage)

Hat: Forever 21

Necklace: Kendra Scott

 

4 days till Fourth of July and I can't wait! I don't know why Fourth of July is such a fun holiday? Maybe it's because of the American heritage, the festive dishes, the red white and blue, patriotic prints, fireworks, get together's or backyard BBQ's but I always look forward to July 4th! 

This year I will be going to the Freedom Over Texas concert event in Houston with my sister and some friends, and as is the case every July (see my past two years here, and here) , I have been brainstorming ideas for what I will wear and finally settled on making myself this navy gingham dress:) 

Since I knew it would be a bit much to persuade my sister to take pictures of my outfit on the 4th I decided to do a fun backyard picnic photo shoot:) I guess you can tell that I have a "small" gingham obsession, and this shoot definitely went overboard on the gingham in all the patriotic red, white, and blue glory! Nevertheless, it was a dream styling everything for this picnic and I wish I could do this every day. 

When I was taking these pictures I couldn't help thinking back to when I was younger....traipsing around in the backyard barefoot, playing make believe, and grabbing treats for a picnic.....those really were the glory days! To be honest, looking back at these pictures I can't help thinking that they encompass everything I dream of summer being....youthful, adventurous, full of sunshine, fresh fruit, bubbly french lemonade, and soaking up the beauty of the outdoors. Maybe it's because these pictures capture my personality so well, enjoying the the little things with a flair of style, kicking off my shoes, and taking it slow while reflecting on life....whatever the case my be, this is the perfect setting for this Introvert and I need to start making picnics a frequent thing in my life! 

Also, future reference to my future husband (whomever he might be), but this is probably my #1 idea for the perfect date (insert a winking fave emoji).....

What are your plans for the 4th?

Are you a fan of picnics?

-Madison

Gingham on The Porch

Gingham on The Porch

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Skirt: The Skirtery 

Top: Made By Me

Shoes: Marshall's (Steve Madden)

Purse: Thrifted 

Headband: Old

Book: Somerset

This post might quickly become one of my favorite posts of ALL TIME because it brings all of my southern gingham dreams to life:) Recently I have been so inspired by all of the southern bloggers that I follow and their fabulous styles have been killer this season! Because of that I knew that with this southern inspired ensemble I had to visit a place that reminded me of the south, so I went back to the porch of the house in this post which was perfection. 

I don't know about you, but gingham is almost a neutral in my closet this season. Every time I don't know what to wear I always seem to reach for this skirt (available in my Etsy shop), and honestly it is probably the most styled piece on the blog (see it here, here, and here). This particular look is not exception since I now love this skirt even more after making this crop style blouse to pair with it, which really gives it a completely different look.  

I had some extra gingham fabric lying around and I decided to mix up my design by using two different sizes of gingham to create this retro, ruffle embellished top. This is actually the first time I have made a halter style top, and at first I was a bit unsure of how I would like it (and if it would be modest enough for me), but I am thrilled with how it turned out and the buttons up back are definitely my favorite part. 

Even though I might not be the most "southern" person or live in the most "southern" town, the culture, heritage, and history of the south have always inspired and intrigued me. Whether it is the styles, the traditions, food, or the houses I am all about what the south has to offer. One of my favorite things to do actually, is to visit old historic plantations whenever I travel. I can't tell you how many lovely southern plantations I have visited and I fall in love with the story and style of each one. Because of that, the book I am reading right now (Somerset) highly intrigued me because it is set in the 1800's before the Civil war, but during the Underground Railroad and deals with western expansion and Texas history which I am all about! Definitely the perfect summer read and might have even inspired this look and shoot a bit ;)

Anyone else obsessed with Gingham this season?

Are you a fan of southern history like me?

-Madison

Country Life

Country Life

Monday, March 20, 2017

Skirt: Thrifted
Shirt: Thrifted (H&M)
Shoes: Thrifted
Socks: Forever 21
Neck Scarf: DIY
Belt: Thrifted

There's something great about taking a break. Taking time away from your normal life to unplug and focus on something you typically don't. That is what I got to do with my family this past weekend. Thankfully we all had spring break at the same time but we didn't get to spend it all together until Friday when we took a quick weekend trip to our family farm to camp for 3 days. 

Here's the thing, I come from a family of farmers and ranchers. While part of my life has been spent in a decently large town that, I have also grown up experiencing small town life. The kind of life in a town that only has one stoplight, whose small town spirit revolves around the high school sports teams, and the kind of town where if someone does something everyone will know about it. 

You see, both of my parents come from small towns (15 minutes away from each other), the kind of towns where you know almost everyone you come across and if you mention your last name people automatically know who you are and who you are related to. Small town life means everyone shows up for graduation and probably nearly every wedding and every wedding reception is held at the Fireman's Hall (you wouldn't believe how that place can be transformed!), but that's the beauty of it. 

Often times we are stuck in the midst of experiencing only one type of life (unless maybe your family moved a lot), but for me, I have grown up in between being a city and country girl and I think that is something I will always cherish. 

I have fond memories as a kid, visiting the farm and seeing all of my grandfathers cattle, goats, horses, and for awhile ostriches. The greatest memories my siblings and I have about our trips to the farm are wading in the creek and then drying our socks by a fire, chasing the goats and trying to chatch them, picking peaches from the old orchard, hiking through the woods and across the many pastures, fishing in one of the 4 tanks, and our favorite, jumping in the tank for a swim when it gets a bit hot out. 

I might like being put together on a daily basis, but that doesn't erase the fact that country life will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no other place on earth that is filled with the sounds of nothing and yet everything, and I will always love the smell of hay and the view of rolling hills and tree lines as far as the eye can see. Country life is my heritage and will always be in my blood so any time I get to relive my fondest childhood memories I cherish those moments. 

What did you do over spring break?

Anyone else have a family of farmers or ranchers?

- Madison